News
Allow private security outfits to monitor elections – NGO urges FG
African Law Foundation (AfriLaw), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on the Federal Government to allow private security outfits in election monitoring.
The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr Okereke Chinwike, made the call at a National Stakeholders’ Forum for Private Security in Abuja on Wednesday.
The forum, with the theme, “Private Security Service and 2023
Election in Nigeria”, was organised by AfriLaw in partnership with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other stakeholders.
Chinwike said private security was critical to ensuring the protection of lives and property.
”Their participation in election would go a long way in tackling security challenges. Some of the security challenges include violent demonstrations, theft of electoral supplies, targeted attacks on leaders among others.
“The Private security industry is the largest single security sector in Nigeria and in Africa.
“So, Nigeria cannot afford to leave them behind in active engagement in election security in Nigeria.
“Some of the roles of private security in election include provision of security in government installations, political party premises and homes of political actors.
“They also complement formal security in crowd control during rallies and other political meetings.
“They equally provide frontline security response in the streets, estate and communities as well as intelligence among others, “he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Ferdinand Isiegwu, Head of Private Guard Companies Department in NSCDC, said “regular security has few personnel when it comes to coverage of election.”
Isiegbu, an Assistant Commandant-General of NSCDC represented the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi at the forum.
He said in view of the need to adequately protect lives and property, it was necessary for private security to be co-opted to assist during elections.
According to him, private security outfits often are made to participate in processes where their services were required in advanced climes.
“We expect that Nigeria tows the line of other countries where anyone who is involved in security can play a part one way or the other for free, fair and credible elections, “he said.
Newsmen reports that one of the paper presentations at the forum centred on the roles and importance of private security in the electoral process in Nigeria.
Dr Onyeama Emmanuel, Executive Director, Crime Free and Peace Initiative, who gave the presentation, said the role of private security could not be undermined.
Meanwhile, the second presentation, which was on the adoption of the draft resolution for good private security governance during the 2023 elections, was delivered by AfriLaw boss, Chinwike.
News
Installation of e-gates at airports is to enhance national security – Minister
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says the installation of e-gates at the five international airports in the country will enhance national security.
He also said it would ensure seamless processing of passengers coming into and going out of the country.
The minister made the remarks on Friday when he inspected the newly installed e-gates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said that from the preliminary test conducted, it will take less than 30 seconds to process passengers with valid passports, thus reducing the delays and inconveniences hitherto faced by passengers.
He said about 21 e-gates would be installed at Lagos airport by the end of April, while those in Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu would be ready by the third week of May.
“Having tested it on various scenarios, we saw that a Nigerian carrying a valid passport will only take less than 30 seconds to be checked in, which I think is a record time.
“We have also tested it with people carrying other people’s passport, and we saw that it is practically impossible for people to use another person’s passport to gain entrance into the country unlike in the past.
“With what we have also seen, it is practically impossible to enter into the country with an expired passport,“ he added.
According to him, the scanners will enhance the nation’s security architecture and enable immigration officials to work seamlessly.
The minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support towards making the project a reality.
News
Plateau varsity suspends exams over killing of student
News
Customs seizes N126.2m smuggled goods in Kebbi
-
Finance3 months ago
Court orders Sen. Victor Umeh to repay N136m bank debt to AMCON
-
Abuja Update2 months ago
UNDP, FG partnership needed to achieve inclusion, equity- Minister
-
Abuja Update4 weeks ago
Banks drive stock market performance with N147bn gain
-
Infotech3 weeks ago
World Backup Day: NITDA urges Nigerians to ensure backup of data
-
capital market2 years ago
Rt.briscoe, FBNH, Others halts negative performance of stock market
-
Health2 weeks ago
Immunisation: FG, GAVI seek synergy with Sokoto Govt.
-
Infotech1 week ago
Forex for Beginners: Unveiling the currency exchange and how to trade it
-
Submission Guidelines3 months ago
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: POETRY COLUMN-NND